Girls' Trip to Chicago...Dinner Spots

I am counting down the days to our upcoming girls' trip to Chicago! I am meeting up with three other friends from high school (St. Louis), and we are working on dinner reservations etc...Two happened to be former roommates in Chicago during our post-college years, and we have so many fun memories from this exciting chapter of our lives!  Granted, my memories of all of the restaurants and bars from those days were limited to spots within walking distance or quick cab rides...Tempo (breakfast), Papa Milano (pizza), Uncle Julio (Mexican), Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinders, Stanley's, Sedgwick's, Geja's (Fondue), Rose Angelis (Italian), Jia's (Asian), Penny's (Asian), Giordanos/Edwardos (pizza), Webster Wine Bar, just to name a few...But that was 15 years ago! There are so many new/interesting spots, so we wanted to investigate some new options!

Throwback pic with several girlfriends from high school,
while we were living in Chicago post-college, Halloween circa 2000?

More throwback pics from our old Chicago days!

More throwback pics from our old Chicago days!

An old friend and coworker from Arthur Andersen happens to be a travel advisor living in Chicago.  She gave me a list of several new and exciting places for drinks, dinner, lunch, etc.  I wanted to create a blog post so I can reference some of the places, particularly if we don't get to all of them, for an excuse to go back!  One of the places on her list, Bavette's Bar & Beouf, is also a place where I wanted to host my husband's surprise 40th bday party a few years ago, but they could not accommodate our large group.  So, we ended up at Mercadito, Mexican, which was so awesome and fun!  Bavette's is more of an intimate steakhouse, so I think that might be more fun with couples, but I am keeping on my list for future reference!

1) Bavette's Bar & Beouf - 1920's vibe, steakhouse..leather, exposed brick, wood beams, Persian rugs, candle-light, I love the design of this place, and the food is supposed to be excellent too.

(Also mentioned RPM Steak, but again, perhaps a couple/date night destination)







2) RM Champagne in West Loop - "Tucked away in a cobblestone alley, just steps off Randolph Street, RM Champagne Salon reads like a speakeasy on the outside and lively French bistro inside...The candle-lit room radiates modern romance, with Moroccan lamps and antique mirrors juxtaposed with an indie rock soundtrack...Don't miss the patio, a Parisian-style oasis that's a summertime favorite of locals and visitors alike."










3) Duck Duck Goat, (Stephanie Izards new Chinese spot in Fulton Market), "a combination of my childhood favorites and my interpretation of what I've learned abroad...a space reminiscent of the back alleys of Beijing, markets of Shanghai, and Chicago's own Chinatown"...a casual but fun vibe.







4) Monteverde in West Loop, Top Chef and Spiaggia alum, Sarah Grueneberg...."an Italian restaurant that blends the traditions of Italian culture and cooking with influences from Grueneberg's trips around the world, as well as her family heritage...Italian food that feels adventurous and new yet balanced with tradition,



5) Summer House Santa Monica, Lincoln Park, "presents an escape to the warmth and laid-back vibes of the West Coast, complete with beach house decor and a beautiful retractable glass ceiling...California inspired menu, with focus on market driven ingredients, local/sustainable farming, seasonal specialties, all complemented by a carefullly curated list of California and Pacific North Coast wines"






6) Siena Tavern, River North, Top Chef alum, Fabio Viviani, "Best New Restaurant, Chicago Mag, 2013"..."An innovative Italian menu, traditional with a modern twist, including Rome-worthy pizza and excellent brunch fare...energetic bar, wonderful cocktails"




7) Momotaro, Fine Japanese cuisine..."Best New Restaurant of the Year, Chicago Mag 2015" and "Best New Restaurants in America, Esquire Mag, 2015"..."Respecting the cultural heritage of Japan..mixing traditional with blazingly contemporary, the food, beverage and experience of Momotaro is carefully designed to surprise and elevate any night out"

8) Boho Bohemian House, River North..."captures the lighthearted and carefree essence of Bohemian culture, exposed brick walls and wood timber, eclectic decor, warm earth tones, and soft lighting...menu influences from Czech Republic, Germany, and Austria